Turkey’s Capital
What is Turkey’s capital?
Turkey’s capital: Ankara
Many people often get wrong about Turkey’s capital.
They think that Istanbul is the capital.
It’s not.
The capital of Turkey is Ankara.
Then why is Istanbul often mistakenly thought of as the capital?
Because Istanbul is one of the most famous and historically rich cities in Turkey.
Tour and travel agencies often emphasize Turkey Tourism and Istanbul Tourism.
Istanbul is often considered the heart of Turkey’s tourism due to its iconic attractions, rich history, and unique cultural blend. Istanbul’s fame and recognition surpass that of Ankara.
Istanbul was in fact the capital during the time of the Ottoman Empire.
Before Istanbul, Bursa served as one of the early capitals of the Ottoman Empire.
How is that possible?
The answer is below, keep reading….
Turkey’s Capital
The capital of Turkey has undergone several changes throughout its history.
The most significant change occurred in 1923.
In that year the capital was relocated from Istanbul to Ankara.
The decision to move the capital from Istanbul to Ankara was made by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of Turkey.
Moving the capital from Istanbul to Ankara was not solely based on overpopulation; rather, the city structure of Istanbul had suffered significant damage.
How so?
The capital of Turkey is Ankara.
The Location of the Capital of Turkey
Before discussing the history of the transfer of the capital of Turkey from Istanbul to Ankara, let’s take a look at the map first…
Istanbul is on the upper left of the map, straddling both Europe and Asia.
Ankara, in contrast, is more centrally located on the map, making it geographically strategic.
Ankara still serves as the capital of Turkey until now, even though Ataturk has long passed away.
The History of the Capital of Turkey
Let’s delve into the history of the capital of Turkey.
In the early 1300s, the Roman Empire maintained control over parts of the region that is present-day Turkey.
Later in 1324, the Ottoman Empire, under the leadership of Orhan, achieved a significant victory over the Roman Empire and established control over the city of Bursa. Orhan was the son of Osman (the founder of the Ottoman Empire).
Since then, the city of Bursa became the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Although Bursa is no longer the capital of Turkey today, UNESCO recognized it in 2014 as a region included in the list of world heritage sites. And until now, the city of Bursa is still considered the cultural capital of Turkey.
As centuries passed, the capital of the Ottoman Empire shifted from Bursa to Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul.
Then October 13, 1923, the capital of Turkey was officially moved from Istanbul to Ankara.
This significant change was orchestrated by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey.
As I said previously, the decision was not solely based on Istanbul’s population density but also on Ataturk’s perception that the city had experienced a decline in moral values, with issues such as corruption becoming prevalent.
This happened in the aftermath of the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
As part of the reforms and restructuring, Ataturk decided to move the capital to Ankara, a city that held strategic geographic importance and was seen as a more suitable location for the new republic.
Below is a photo of Ankara today.
Turkey’s Capital city: Ankara
Actually, there are many versions of the story of why the capital was moved from Istanbul.
Many local magazines discussed it in the past.
However, it is believed that the main reason was that Ataturk wanted to start anew.
The Capital of Turkey: Ankara
Like other cities in Turkey, Ankara also has a long and culturally rich history.
It was an important city during the Hittite Empire around 1600 BC.
It also served as a residence for the Roman Empire around 25 BC.
It’s quite amazing to discuss this.
Imagining this city in a time before BC.
What was the atmosphere of the city like in the past? And what were the people like in the past?
Ankara has a significant history in terms of religion, particularly during ancient times.
It has also been home to many mosques throughout its history.
Nowadays Ankara is the second most populous after Istanbul.
Ankara has a deep connection with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
There are Various monuments, statues, and the mausoleum of Ataturk in the city.
Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, is now indeed a significant tourist destination in Ankara.
Ataturk Monument in Ankara
The Weather in the Capital of Turkey
As we saw the map before, Ankara is located in the centre of Turkey.
Ankara’s central location in Turkey and its highland geography contribute to its distinct climate. Being situated at an elevation affects the temperature range, resulting in cooler temperatures in the winter and warmer temperatures in the summer compared to some other parts of the country.
The city’s temperature varies according to the season, reaching around -3 degrees Celsius in winter and up to 35 degrees Celsius in summer.
There is an ancient river with historical significance that has played a role in various civilizations and historical events throughout the centuries in Turkey.
It divides Ankara into western and eastern parts.
Ankara is also a windy city. It likely experiences variations in temperature due to the cooling effect of the wind.
However when I was in Turkey, the weather in Ankara was indeed very hot, the sun was shining mercilessly!
The Atmosphere in the Capital of Turkey
The following picture shows the atmosphere in the city of Ankara, which is the center of various things, not just politics but also economy and culture.
A unique atmosphere in the Old City of Ankara
History enthusiasts will surely enjoy the city.
Banyak galeri seni, banyak museum, dan juga situs bersejarah.
There are many art galleries, museums, and historical sites here.
The museums tell the history and art of various eras in Turkey, such as the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk periods.
On the other hand, many tourists don’t like the history that much, so they are usually directed to Anitkabir, the Ataturk’s Mausoleum.
Population and Culture of Ankara
Ankara’s role as the capital of Turkey makes it a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities.
Ankara attracts people from various cultures and religions.
Many people who work in Ankara choose to live in the surrounding suburban areas.
Ankara is home to prestigious universities and various educational institutions. It attracts a considerable number of students and researchers from various parts of the world.
Another good thing is the city hosts traditional Turkish music performances, allowing residents and visitors to experience the rich musical traditions of the country.
If you want to see a performance with traditional Turkish musical instruments such as Kemenche (small violin), Saz (traditional guitar), and Darbuka (small drum), coming to Ankara is the right call.
A Brief Review of the Capital of Turkey
Well, this is the end of the story about the capital of Turkey. It’s very short, isn’t it?
In brief, the capital of Turkey has undergone several changes, moving from Bursa to Istanbul and eventually settling in Ankara in 1923.
Ankara, with its rich history and cultural significance, is indeed a city worth exploring.
Turkey’s Capital
Turkey, June 19th 2019
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